ISLAMABAD(National Times)- Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah has said that parliament would have the final say on the creation of new provinces, even if a referendum was held on the issue.

Speaking to a private television channel, Sanaullah said the question of who would hold such a referendum also remained unresolved, adding that the process would have to be conducted by parliament.

He said the issue had not yet been taken up by parliament. Once it was brought before the house, a policy statement would be issued, followed by a debate on the matter.

Commenting on meetings with Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, Sanaullah said both of the former prime minister’s lawyers had met him, but their conduct in the coming days would determine whether further meetings could take place.

He said the lawyers had spoken about political matters after their meeting, a development that could complicate arrangements for future meetings.

Sanaullah said the PTI had announced a long march and that efforts had been made to persuade the party, with assurances given on various matters.

He added that restrictions on meetings with Imran khan had been imposed because the party was using them for political purposes.